Soccer and social change: Former York Lion Farkhunda Muhtaj's inspiring journey

Farkhunda Muhtaj, a former York University Lions women’s soccer player, has journeyed from student-athlete to professional soccer player and global advocate, using her passion for the sport to drive social change.

Muhtaj moved to Canada when she was two alongside her parents who were forced to flee Afghanistan. Growing up in a family of nine, soccer was a unifying force, with all seven siblings playing the game. Muhtaj credits her adventurous spirit and risk-taking nature to this close-knit environment, where soccer was both a pastime and a foundation for ambition.

Muhtaj’s soccer journey began at age four, initially as a recreational activity inspired by her older siblings and her father. As she progressed from local leagues to high-performance soccer, her dedication and skill eventually led her to York University, where she played varsity soccer while pursuing an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. She later completed a teaching degree at the same institution.

Muhtaj was drawn to York being recruited and invited to an ID camp where the coaches recognized her potential on the field.

“York just stole my heart right away,” she said. 

“Our head coach, Carmine Isacco, told me, ‘I can totally see you playing in the formation that I envision. You’d be an important player for the school.’”

According to Muhtaj, being a student-athlete did not come without challenges. Adjusting to the academic schedule of university life, while balancing athletics took some time. 

“The first semester was really difficult for me,” said Muhtaj. 

“It was a good reality check of understanding that you’re a student-athlete and the student aspect always comes first.”

Following graduation, Muhtaj briefly embarked on a teaching career before a life-altering mission drew her back to soccer. In 2021, as Captain of the Afghanistan Women’s National team, Muhtaj played a pivotal role in evacuating members of the Afghan youth national team from Kabul when the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. Despite countless challenges, including navigating Taliban checkpoints and organizing charter flights, Muhtaj succeeded in helping the young athletes and their families secure asylum in Portugal.

“It was a time where there were no commercial flights leaving the country. All the borders were closed,” she said. 

“After well over a month of failing and trying dozens of times, we were finally able to persevere and get them out.”

The experience reaffirmed Muhtaj’s belief in the power of sport as a tool for social change. During her time in Portugal, she founded the unofficial Afghan youth national team, known as Ayenda FC, to provide a sense of purpose and community to the displaced players. The initiative continues to support Afghan girls through training camps and competitions.

Muhtaj also chose to pursue her dream of professional soccer, joining a club in the Netherlands before signing with Calgary Wild FC in the newly formed Northern Super League. As the team’s community ambassador, Muhtaj balances her professional career with her commitment to using sport for social good. She remains actively involved in initiatives that support gender equity, anti-racism, and community development, particularly in refugee and underserved communities.

Reflecting on her journey, Muhtaj emphasizes the importance of perseverance and giving back.

“There’s no linear path to success at all,” she said. 

“It’s not the challenges that define you, it’s how you step back up and continue to show up for yourself.”